Strawberries anyone?

STRAWBERRY production is flourishing in Chiba Prefecture,Japan home to more than 100 strawberry farms where visitors can enjoy "strawberry picking," which is quite popular with tourists.

Varieties of strawberry species are grown on many of the strawberry-picking farms, and visitors can enjoy eating the berries to compare their tastes. Notably, "CHI-BA+BERRY," a new strawberry variety that hit the stores in January 2017, is available only in Chiba Prefecture.

Chiba Prefecture sits about 40 kilometres southeast of the center of Tokyo on Tokyo Bay. There are many attractions making ii an interesting region to visit. The Chiba Urban Monorail, the longest suspended monorail in the world, Kasori Shell Midden, the largest shellmound in the world, Inage Beach, the first artificial beach in the nation and the Chiba City Zoological Park.

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Leaving the EU a positive impact for the Isle of Wight

LEAVING the EU is having a positive impact on holiday island the Isle of Wight, according to Wight Coast Holidays who are the island's leading provider of self catering holidays.

Estimates vary but the company have seen a rise in holidays by over 20% for #IsleofWight holiday rentals in 2019 compared to 2018.

According to a spokesman from their office in Bembridge they have received multiple bookings from holidaymakers who normally visit Spain, France and Portugal worried about possible delays at airports after the UK leaves the EU - and the prospect of queueing for their flights with children in tow for hours on end has led to them considering the Isle of Wight in 2019, with some visiting for the first time in a few years.

For many in the UK the Isle of Wight ferry crossing separates them from a staycation on the mainland, and the crossing takes less than an hour with Red Funnel from Southampton and Wightlink from Portsmouth Harbour and Lymington.

While it's likely that other UK destinations will experience a holiday industry boost in Devon and Cornwall for example, the fact that to get to the Isle of Wight involves a ferry crossing for those used to going abroad could mean the island will benefit more from the uncertainty over Brexit.

Top attractions on the island include Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne House but for family holidays the beaches of Bembridge, Seaview, Sandown and Shanklin could mean tourists will return again in future years with a positive impact on the tourist industry, which is a major player in the island's economy.


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From Snow to Hot Springs in Montana

WHILE Montana's seemingly endless supply of fresh powder tends to garner most of the attention during the winter, there's another natural wonder that's a close second: hot springs. With 14 hot spring resorts and day-use pools located throughout the state, there are plenty of places to take a relaxing dip or a morning plunge.

Montana's hot springs have been in use for thousands of years, first by American Indian tribes who discovered the springs as they traveled throughout the state's vast landscapes, followed by early miners and pioneers. Today, the natural pools welcome visitors from around the world to relax in their healing waters.

The western portion of the state – from Livingston to Missoula – has the highest density of natural hot springs to explore.

A regional favorite, Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa, is located in the Paradise Valley in the small town of Pray, Montana, and offers an idyllic soak in its pools. Established in 1900, Chico Hot Springs is on the National Historic Register and encompasses 152 acres.


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The Curious Global Traveller

A race to be the first, a desire to live like a local, and a continued focus on value for money - Booking.com reveals what's driving travellers into original homes, tree houses, boats and beyond.

From accommodations that float, to stays up in the trees, unique property types are a growing trend, with over one third of global travellers (37%)* planning to book a stay in an alternative accommodation in 2019.

Living like a local is key for almost half (49%)** of global travellers, who believe that staying in a home-type accommodation lets them see areas of a city or parts of a country that they wouldn't have otherwise explored.

Keeping a close eye on the travel budget is a top priority, with almost half (45%)** of global travellers stating that staying in a home-type accommodation allows them to feel that they are getting the most value for their money.

Olivier Grémillon, Vice President at Booking.com, explains: "We are seeing a clear trend among travellers to try unique types of accommodations and we understand that the perfect stay may look different for each of them. So, whether it's an icy igloo, a cozy cabin or luxury villa you're after - Booking.com offers more than 5.8 million instantly bookable homes, apartments and other unique places to stay to make sure that your next special experience is just a few clicks away."


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Grand Canyon West: Open for Visitors

THOSE looking to experience the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon amid the federal government shutdown can do so at Grand Canyon West.

Grand Canyon West is owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe through its Grand Canyon Resort Corporation. Grand Canyon West is not part of the National Park Service. Thus, the tourism center, which attracts more than 1 million visitors each year, has not been at all affected by the current federal government shutdown.

Visitors are welcome to explore the world-famous Skywalk glass bridge, which hovers more than 4,000 feet about the floor of the Grand Canyon. Other Grand Canyon West experiences include Hualapai Ranch, which is a replica of an old western town, and majestic viewpoints like Eagle Point and Guano Point.

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Adventure Travel Trends for 2019

AS experts in adventure travel, K E Travel have weighed in what we think will be popular in the year of travel ahead. We've seen rises and falls and our iexperts have identified 10 travel trends for 2019 

1. Cosmic events will be in the spotlight - More and more travellers are visiting the most distant reaches of the planet, and the chance to see the rare event of a solar eclipse is now more accessible than ever, with a 34% increase in bookings to the Polar Regions and Patagonia in 2018.

2. More travellers will take on the self-guided challenge - In the last year, tour operators have seen a 20% increase in self-guided holidays. Adventurers want to take the reins, pick their own departure dates and go at their own pace, with the assurance help is on hand if needed. 

3. Adventure travel will embrace the new ‘slow travel’ trend - With daily life only ever becoming more hectic and well-being at the forefront of the modern zeitgeist, travellers are increasingly seeking adventures which allow them to enjoy a leisurely pace, relax, and reconnect with the idea of exploration and travel.

4. Cruises will offer more active options - Whilst more travellers want to slow down, they don’t want to stand still either. Active cruises are the answer, which offer the opportunity to intersperse a relaxing journey with options for adventure.

5. Solo travel will continue to rise - Google searches for “solo travel” were at the highest they've ever been in 2018. Travel companies are now building catered products to not only accommodate, but celebrate the solo traveller. 

6. Adventure travel will go cross-borders  - With Europe’s most popular destinations only getting busier, adventure travel is looking to lesser-visited countries and seeing what else is out there.

7. New visa regulations will give rise to emerging destinations - As a booming adventure travel industry puts the spotlight on lesser-visited destinations, countries are taking note and making it easier for them to get there.

8. Travellers will look for smaller guided groups- KE has seen more travellers seek low-impact, small group numbers, with trips of less than 12 passengers selling most in 2018. 

9. Travel destinations will make a comeback - When once popular destinations suffer the threat of terrorism, or recover from a major disasters or events, reductions in the number of visitors are inevitable. However it’s when these situations start to settle that travellers are itching to return. In 2018 compared to 2017 KE has seen bookings to Turkey increase by a staggering 475%.

10. Non EU countries in Europe more popular than ever  - With only a few months to go until Brexit, the information of how it will affect travellers is still not clear. The uncertainty of EU travel has no doubt influenced travel to non-EU destinations such as Georgia, Albania and Norway. 



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Top Christmas Destination

HAVING been named the world’s number one Christmas city, #Helsinki is more than ready for another festive holiday season. The unique appeal of the Finnish capital is obvious also during the Christmas season, the warm atmosphere, fun activities, stunning nature and other Christmas elements are described in detail on the MyHelsinki.fi website. 

Helsinki has been highlighted as a top destination this Christmas by numerous international media outlets, The Guardian listed Helsinki has one of Europe’s best Christmas getaway destinations. Christmas in Helsinki is a mix of new and old traditions. A Christmas atmosphere is guaranteed all the way from late November through to Epiphany at the start of the New Year. The holiday season is rounded off by the popular Lux Helsinki light festival, which presents brilliant light art throughout the city centre from 5 to 9 January 2019.

The most anticipated architectural grand opening of the year takes place around Finnish Independence Day at the start of December, when the internationally acclaimed Helsinki Central Library Oodi opens to the public. The grand opening programme includes dance, music and theatre performances over two days on 5 and 6 December.

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Lucky Thirteen

THIRTEEN giraffes have been released in the Majete Wildlife Reserve in #Malawi, African Parks and Giraffe Conservation Foundation announced on Monday, 19 November. Nine are from South Africa and have traveled 2,500 km by road in one of the longest such transfers. These giraffes and four others already living in Malawi represent a new population for Majete and Malawi . The introduction boosts biodiversity on the reserve while helping tourism to strengthen the already emerging conservation-minded economy and support community development.

Although southern Africa has a strong giraffe population, there is little in Malawi; this transfer brings the number of national giraffes to just over 30. Overall, giraffe populations have fallen in recent decades, with habitat loss, civil unrest and illegal hunting reducing the animal population of the country. Africa with less than 100,000 animals. This introduction comes at a crucial time: November 14, the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) announced that several subspecies of giraffes are severely threatened. The transfer of the giraffe from South Africa to Majete aims to establish a viable population that will support giraffe conservation in the region.

It's also a new chapter in Majete's story. Since 2003, African Parks has been managing Majete in partnership with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife of Malawi (DNPW), whose collaborative efforts are a national achievement.


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To go or not to go . . .

TRAVEL is more than movement, greater than sightseeing. It opens our minds and keeps us alive – through the good and the bad. The transformative power of travel is the main theme of the 2019 Go List and No List unveiled today by Fodor's Travel, the leading name in travel recommendations for over 80 years.

Together, the lists provide comprehensive expert travel guidance for 2019, highlighting can't-miss spots that should be on every traveler's radar while identifying places to skip in the upcoming year.

This year's Go List includes destinations to suit every taste, trip length and budget – from the natural peaks of Bears Ears National Monument to the manmade peaks of Kuala Lumpur; from the bustling metropolis of Lagos, Nigeria, to the quiet refuge of Japan's Seto Inland Sea. This year, Fodor's editors paid special attention to those destinations recovering from the hardship of hurricanes: Puerto Rico, Key West, and St. Martin.

Last year, Fodor's editors expanded the Go List to 52 destinations from its traditional list of 25 destinations. The change proved so popular with the Fodor's audience that Fodor's editors have made the change permanent, meaning the 2019 Go List again comprises 52 destinations – one for each week of the year. www.fodors.com/GoList2019 

The highly cited Fodor's Travel No List enters its third year of surfacing destinations that should be avoided due to political, environmental, or social concerns. Seven locations make up this year's 2019 No List, including Acapulco, Ibiza, and Thailand's Maya Beach. 

Subsets of this year's No List include "Places That Don't Want You To Visit," which includes destinations that are overwhelmed by their own tourism industry and hoping tourists stay away. www.fodors.com/NoList2019


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Must visit, Moscow

EVERY year the number of tourists visiting Moscow grows significantly. In 2017 21.6 millions of tourists visited #Moscow, by the end of 2018 the growth of the tourist flow is expected to increase by at least 10%. 

Moscow is the biggest cultural center of the world. Every year more than 500 recreational and cultural events take place and there are more than 270 functioning museums and 170 functioning theaters in the city. One third of the Moscow territory is covered by park areas. In 2017 a new park “Zaradye” was opened in the very center of the capital, it was included by the “Times” magazine in the list of the best places in the world 2018.

Today there are 1586 classified accommodation facilities in Moscow from hotels to hostels. The transport infrastructure is widely developed and there is Wi-Fi in public places. The city pays considerable attention to safety measures – there are more than 184 000 surveillance cameras around the city.

There is even a special service PASSCITY in Moscow, which lets you visit museums, restaurants, sport centers and use the public transport for free.

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A four-season land

IRAN, a four-season land, has 23 UNESCO World Heritage sites. These sites have long attracted tourists from across the globe. Foreign tourists #travel to #Iran to visit numerous historical and natural sites and enjoy time in a country which is home to many attractions. World Economic Forum data show Iran's ranking in tourist attraction moving higher from 114 in 2011 to 93 in 2017. That bears proof to the fact that foreign tourists have not become unwilling to travel to Iran.

As foreign currencies, including the US dollar and the euro, claimed ground against the Iranian Rial, the tourism industry in Iran entered a new phase, particularly for foreign visitors. The Rial's slide represents a unique opportunity for foreign tourists visiting Iran as their travel costs have fallen incredibly.



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Columbia: future larder for the world

COLOMBIA has been identified by the United Nations Organization for Food and Agriculture as one of the countries with the greatest agricultural potential in the world. By the year 2030 the world population will surpass 8.3 million inhabitants, which will create a 50% increase in food consumption. Colombia has the ideal lands to be one of the countries capable of satisfying this demand.

According to the Colombian Ministry of Agriculture, #Colombia has 114 million hectares, of which 44.8 million are suitable for the agriculture, livestock and reforestation sectors. The agricultural production of Colombia presented an annual growth of 6.8% between 2010 and 2015, reaching 4.5 million hectares sown.

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From water to wine

IN a new approach to attract the visiting friends and relatives of expats living in Australia, today the Mudgee Region launches its new tourism campaign, Water to Wine – supported by the Australian Government’s $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package. 

Each year, thousands of visiting friends and relatives flock to the shores of Sydney, spending time with their loved ones and enjoying the beach-lifestyle. Too often, however, hosts who live fast-paced lives are tasked with coordinating activities and adventures to keep their guests occupied.

What is most interesting, is that more than half of international Visiting Friends and Relatives visitors (55%) will take over-night trips on their own, with 17% of the hosts accompanying them on overnight/short break trips.

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A small country with a huge heart

A small country with a huge past, Cambodia, a popular holiday destination among travellers from the USA, Canada, Australia and the UK, has seen growth double through the years offering tour operators the opportunity to market their own specially crafted vacation packages. Vietnamese Private Tours offers its own tours and trip deals in 2019 taking advantage of the growing number of travellers to the region.

Its rich history is challenging, enchanting and ever present. Voted the world‘s friendliest nation, the Cambodian people smile their way throughout the day. Its blossoming art scene and funky bars and restaurants contrast nicely with its ancient temples and colonial decay plus its throbbing cities and island beaches are the perfect place to relax and play.

#Cambodia is warm to hot year round with a rainy season between June and October. Don’t be too put off by the term ‘rainy’ though. It’s actually a great time of the year to visit. The temperature is a little cooler and the land lush green. Most of the downpours are in the afternoon or at night and they only last for a couple hours or so making them easy to plan around.

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Visit Kenya's Second City

BORDERING the Indian Ocean, tropical Mombasa is Kenya’s main coastal tourist destination and a popular gateway to the country’s amazing white beaches and coral reef diving. The cosmopolitan city has also become a destination in its own right, thanks to its diverse cultural mix and old town charm.

Qatar Airways is pleased to announce that it will launch direct flights to Kenya’s second city, Mombasa, opening up the country’s beautiful coasts to international holiday-makers. The new four-times weekly service will be Qatar Airways’ second Kenyan destination, in addition to existing flights to Nairobi.

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Puerto Rico milestones since Hurricane Maria

DISCOVER Puerto Rico announced today a new initiative to underscore the progress Puerto Rico's tourism industry has made since Hurricane Maria. As the one year mark approaches and old imagery resurfaces in the news and in social media, local tourism and community members are rallying audiences everywhere, including news media, to #CoverTheProgress and share real-time Island imagery and the many milestones that have led the Island in one of the greatest comeback stories in tourism. This initiative stemmed from the strong sentiment of the local community paired with reactions from recent travelers to #PuertoRico. Tourism benefits everyone on the Island, and sharing the positive milestones achieved within the tourism industry will help continue to attract travelers – helping to drive the recovery forward.

Puerto Rico offers over 189 tourist attractions, including walking tours through Old San Juan, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristobal and the Bacardi Distillery. The Island also offers salsa tours that visit famous places to dance your heart out, caving systems like Cueva Ventana, Toro Verde Adventure Park and El Yunque rainforest – the largest rainforest in the U.S. 

The islands of Culebra and Vieques are ready to welcome visitors, too. Culebra is home to Flamenco Beach, recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There are day excursions to the islands if you are staying in mainland Puerto Rico.

The bioluminescent bays are an experience not to miss, and Puerto Rico has three of the world's five. The reflection of microorganisms causes the water to glow when touched. Puerto Rico's bioluminescent bays are located in Mosquito Bay in Vieques; Laguna Grande in Fajardo; and La Parguera in Lajas.

There are plenty of culinary options with more than 1,885 restaurants across the Island, including Culebra and Vieques. Puerto Rico is a foodie's paradise.

For those looking for golf and added entertainment, the Island offers 13 professional golf courses, 16 casinos and plenty of nightlife options like bars and clubs.


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The Honduran Coffee Route

HONDURAS, one the world's leading coffee exporters and home to a multitude of award-winning coffee farms, is ready to welcome travelers this upcoming fall season when perfect weather and ideal coffee harvesting conditions collide in the country's picturesque coffee regions. 

The Honduran Coffee Route is a journey through six identified coffee regions that allows visitors to hear the success stories of local farmers and learn about their cultivating and roasting procedures while visiting farms, training centers, and research facilities in some of the country's most beautiful destinations.

An initiative of the #Honduras Institute of Coffee in collaboration with the Honduras Institute of Tourism, the Honduran Coffee Route is a must-see for coffee aficionados and travelers that are thirsty to learn more about one of the Central American country's greatest exports.



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Vietnam stars in Kong blockbuster

IN the blockbuster movie “Kong - Skull Island”, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh and Quang Binh in Vietnam have been selected for important scenes. This is the first Hollywood blockbuster movie licensed to film in #Vietnam taking two months of filming with the last spot Halong Bay.

With the spectacular scattering of islands, dotted with wind and wave eroded grottos and ethereal beauty, Halong bay is unsurprisingly northern Vietnam's number one tourism hub. Rising from the shallows of the Gulf of Tonkin are thousands of limestone islands widely known as Fighting Cock Island, Finger Island, Virgin Grotto, etc. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves or the abundance of lakes, other support floating villages of fishermen.

The procession of pinnacles, islets and islands continues all the way to the Chinese border with a seascape just as striking as that of famous Halong Bay. This is Bai Tu Long Bay, much less visited with fewer cruise trips so the karst views are not as often obscured by other boats.

Geologically an extension of Halong Bay, the limestone islets and towers of Lan Ha Bay can be easily accessed from Cat Ba Island. Cat Ba island has more to offer than a beautiful seascape. It is adventure capital – whether you want to climb it, bike it, hike it or kayak it. The Cat Ba national park is home to most of the world’s remaining golden-headed langur population. Moreover, this island’s cliffs have become one of Southeast Asia’s top learn-to-climb destinations.

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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.


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