On the water . . .

WITH coral reefs facing increasing challenges from global warming, overfishing and ocean acidification, eight countries formed the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) in 1995. As conditions continue to decline, more than 60 countries as well as the United Nations have joined the initiative and named 2018 the Year of the Reef.

A recently released report on the chemicals in sunscreens and their impact on coral reefs worldwide, documenting damage, calling for further research and promoting a “precautionary approach” to dealing with the issue. Chemicals found in sunscreens, particularly oxybenzone and related compounds, have reached potentially lethal levels for the most vulnerable juvenile coral larva in the world’s most popular dive locations.

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Dinosaur adventure off the beaten track

PHU WIANG National Park is like many other dinosaur-related travel sites around #Thailand. It is weird, wonderful and wacky, located well and truly off-the-beaten track, or the so-called ‘tourist trail’, and is hundreds of miles away from Bangkok, in Thailand’s Northeast region of Isan. 

All around Isan, visitors are most likely to find huge #dinosaur statues towering over a park, at a zoo or alongside a temple. Dinosaurs eve decorate the tops of some public lamp posts as a shout out to the region’s big lizardry claim to fame. 

Khon Kaen province is famous for dinosaurs, and this yarn is all about travelling to the heart of dinosaur country in the Phu Wiang mountains where several important paleontological discoveries were made, including two previously unknown species: ‘Phuwiangosaurus Sirindhornae’, a 15-metre (49 feet) long sauropod named after Thailand’s beloved Princess, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and ‘Siamotyrannus Isanensis’, an ancestor of Tyrannosaurus Rex (T-Rex) named after Thailand and Isan.

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On the rails . . .

VIRGIN Trains has named one of its trains after one of Scotland’s most famous cultural icons in celebration of its role in serving #Glasgow.

The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Express will depart Scotland’s biggest city today (Monday, March 19) in support of Mackintosh 150, a year-long programme of events throughout 2018 celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Glasgow’s renowned artist, architect and designer.

The 390008 Pendolino train is adorned with Mackintosh’s trademark moustache on the front and his name displayed in his own lettering on plaques on either side.

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Marvel, Frozen and Star Wars to join Disneyland Paris

ANNOUNCED recently were plans for a 2 billion euro, multi-year expansion for Disneyland Paris. The new development will include a transformation of the Walt Disney Studios Park, adding three new areas that are based on Marvel, Frozen and Star Wars, along with multiple new attractions and live entertainment experiences.

The expansion plan is one of the most ambitious development projects at Disneyland Paris since its opening in 1992 and underscores the Company’s commitment to the long-term success of the resort as Disney’s brand beacon in Europe.

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G'day mate

TOURISM Australia has launched a new campaign in the UK introducing some of the 24 million friendly Australian locals who are all potential mates just waiting to share their inside knowledge with British visitors.

The campaign features engaging videos and user-generated content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as well as Australia.com alongside a media partnership with The Telegraph.

Some of the #24MillionMates introduced so far include: Ben from South Australia; Brian from Western Australia; Janine from Victoria; Penny from New South Wales; Marcus from the Northern Territory; and Madison from Queensland.

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Tunisia continues its comeback

#TUNISIA continues its comeback, recording strong growth at the world’s leading tourism group TUI, in particular from the German-speaking markets and France. Moreover, the country is among the destinations with the highest customer satisfaction levels. TUI Blue, TUI Group’s new lifestyle hotel brand, has now opened its first hotel in #Djerba and provides authentic holiday experiences in the island.

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Water way to relax

HOTEL barge cruising specialist European Waterways announced the completion of its recent upgrade and refurbishing program across the company's fleet as it prepares to launch its 2018 season.

Hotel Barging is a boutique, unique experience which offers an immersive, all inclusive "gentle voyage of discovery" that focuses upon the culture, history, fine wine and gourmet cuisine of the region. 

With a 6 to 20 person capacity and 1:2 crew to guest ratio, European Waterways are able to provide an impeccable level of on board service and can transport their guests on the intimate inland waterways that are inaccessible to larger vessels. This fascinating network of smaller canals allows for flexibility, spontaneity and ample opportunity to hop off and explore the beautiful surroundings via bicycle or on foot. 

In addition to this there are daily chauffeured excursions "off the beaten track" to a wide variety of enthralling locations, from exquisite wine tastings to private tours of stately homes. With over 40 years' experience and a fleet that spans nine countries it is the largest luxury hotel #barging company in #Europe.

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