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Month: July 2021

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South African Airways – Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape province

South African Airways – Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape province

Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape province, is known as the Diamond City. Start your exploration of the city at its main attraction: the Big Hole. Imagine a hand-dug hole the size of eight football fields and you have some idea of the labour that went into creating the Big Hole. Adjacent to the Big Hole is the Kimberley Mine Museum, which brings to life the way the city was during the frenetic days of the diamond rush.

The Diamond Fields of the Northern Cape
Blood, sweat, tears, triumph, murder and despair such are the foundation stones of Kimberley, diamond capital of the world and gateway to the Kalahari and Diamond Fields of the Northern Cape. Diamonds were first discovered in 1871 on Colesberg Koppie. It triggered rush fever which led to frantic mass diggings, culminating in what is now the Big Hole, the largest artificial construction to be found anywhere in the world

Kimberley’s McGregor Museum
Kimberley’s McGregor Museum is based in the old Kimberley sanatorium building in the upmarket suburb of Belgravia, but it has a number of satellite venues spread around the 'city of diamonds'. It is also a major Northern Cape research institute specialising in natural and cultural history.

Fly-fish in the rivers around Kimberley
If you want to know about fly-fishing in the rivers near Kimberley, speak to Turner Wilkinson who has been fly-fishing for nearly 30 years and who is one of only 15 people who have taken all 9 yellowfish species on the fly. The yellowfish populations in this part of the Northern Cape are arguably some of the finest in the country.

Battle for the diamond fields – the Siege of Kimberley
When Kimberley was besieged by Boer forces during the South African War (formerly the Second Anglo-Boer War), diamond magnate Cecil John Rhodes was a key player. Not only did he run a soup kitchen and have a massive field gun designed and built, but he offered townsfolk refuge in his underground mines.

Kimberley’s flamingos: a pink parade
The flamingos of Kimberley’s Kamfers Dam offer a rare and lovely sight – thousands upon thousands of these pink birds stretching as far as the eye can see. This area in South Africa’s Northern Cape province is one of only four breeding sites for lesser flamingos in Africa, making it a must-see for any birder. Even for non-birders, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime sight.

9th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo grandly unveiled

9th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo grandly unveiled

Supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, organized by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and coordinated by Macau Travel Agency Association, the 9th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo (referred to as the “Expo” or “MITE”) was grandly unveiled today (9 July) to run until 11 July. The Expo once again brings together virtual and physical exhibitions radiant with five major highlights and “tourism +” elements, to support members of the tourism and related industries to deepen exchange and cooperation and navigate business opportunities together.

The opening ceremony was officiated by major guests including Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Ho Hau Wah; Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Yao Jian; Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Liu Xianfa; President of the Legislative Assembly of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Kou Hoi In; Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, Lei Wai Nong; Secretary of the Bureau Party Committee and Inspector at Level 1 of the Bureau of International Exchanges and Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, Man Hongwei; Director General of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province, Wang Yiyang, and MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, among others.

In his address, Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong, expressed that amid the prospect of unwavering commitment to pandemic control and prevention, the Expo once again runs under a hybrid online and offline format this year, building a bridge across Macao, the Mainland and different parts of the world for tourism and related industry delegates to forge partnerships and navigate business opportunities. He hopes that industry participants can ride on the Expo to together explore a wider potential for cooperation and develop innovative travel products in preparation for the resumption of international travel markets one day.

Secretary of the Bureau Party Committee and Inspector at Level 1 of the Bureau of International Exchanges and Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Man Hongwei, remarked that against the backdrop of regular control and prevention against thenpandemic, governmental departments of culture and tourism from the Mainland and Macao have been strengthening exchange and cooperation, actively planning and taking action to
organize an array of online and offline promotional activities with the aim to push both tourism markets towards gradual recovery and reinforce consumers’ confidence. He believes that through the Expo, the travel trade from both sides will enhance understanding and tap into new opportunities, to share strengths and achieve mutual progress and success through cooperation.

The 9th MITE is held at Halls A – B, Cotai Expo of the Venetian Macao from 9 – 11 July. The exhibition covers a total area of 23,000 square meters and features 708 booths, offering free admission for the public. 394 exhibitors are joining the Expo this year including 106 local exhibitors, 265 exhibitors from the Mainland as well as 23 international exhibitors. There are 341 buyers including 197 hosted buyers from the Mainland and 144 online buyers from across the world.

Five major highlights incorporate “tourism +” elements

The Expo once again runs under a hybrid online and offline format, incorporating “tourism +” elements with five major highlights as follows: strengthen “Cloud Series” for integration of online and offline exhibitions; expand the scale of “Macao Street” and boost local tourism economy; promote inheritance, innovation and exchange of gastronomy via “City of Gastronomy” culinary demonstration; promote cultural tourism development through
integration of “tourism + culture and creativity”; promote “Distinctive Shops” and enhance brand images.

Online and offline synergy to expand business opportunities

As part of the Cloud Series, the Expo has extended the “Cloud B2B” period from 2 days to a stretch of 14 days, offering ample time for exhibitors and buyers to tap into cooperation opportunities from 28 June to 11 July. “Cloud B2B” rooms are set up on site for business matching across online and offline. Exhibitors and buyers who reach a consensus or confirm their intention for cooperation can sign agreements via the “Cloud Contract-signing” on 10
July. Furthermore, the Expo features “Cloud Live Promotion” room and “Cloud Live Broadcast” rooms. Virtual exhibitors from near and far can connect with the Expo via the “Cloud Live Promotion” on site to showcase their destinations’ tourism resources and interact with audience. Influential streamers from the Mainland and Macao also conduct live sale of various products and promote brands on “Cloud Live Broadcast”.

Launch of MGTO’s Official Flagship Store on Ctrip App

Following the opening ceremony, a launch ceremony for MGTO’s Official Flagship Store on Ctrip App and a workshop about e-commerce platform skills offered by Trip.com were held. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes and General Manager of Destination Marketing of Trip.com Group, Edison Chen, officiated the video kick-off of the Official Flagship Store.

Kick-off ceremony for “Incubation Plan for Macao’s KOL in Tourism” to be held on Sunday

A kick-off ceremony and talent sharing session for the “Incubation Plan for Macao’s KOL in Tourism” will be held at the Expo on 11 July. The Incubation Plan is organized by MGTO and co-organized by Macau Live Streaming Association.

The Expo once again adopts a series of preventive measures against the pandemic, including implementation of crowd management by setting up the only entrance and exit at Halls A and B respectively, as well as the requirement for visitors to present Macao Health Code and have their temperature checked, as well as to wear mask and maintain one-meter social distance upon admission. Venue disinfection, staggered admission hours and other measures related to public catering are carried out as well.

The public can log into the online appointment system on MITE’s official website (www.mitexpo.mo) to schedule a visit to the Expo, while the public without appointment can line up at the venue for admission according to the on-site status. For more information about the 9th MITE, please visit MITE’s official website: www.mitexpo.mo, WeChat ID and Facebook page.

Aeroflot – Samara, The Ideal Place For A Summer Vacation

Aeroflot – Samara, The Ideal Place For A Summer Vacation

Samara was founded in the 16th century and has preserved its historical buildings. In Soviet times, it was supplemented with monumental architecture, and in our time - with buildings, the description of which often requires the word "most".

Visit the Observation Deck , which the townspeople call "Helicopter". It is located in the center of the Samarskaya Luka - the largest and most incredibly beautiful Volga bend. A breathtaking view of the city and the Zhiguli mountains opens up from here . It is best here at the height of summer - warm, green, boats and motor ships sail along the river.

SU flight schedule from Moscow to Samara:

Sector Flight No Departure  Arrival Frequency
SVO-KUF SU1602 06:25 09:10 1,2,3,4,5,6
SU1210 08:10 11:05 DAILY 
SU 1208 10:20 13:05 1,2,3,4,5
SU1212 13:45 16:35 4,5,6
SU1202 14:45 17:30 4,6
SU1214 17:05 19:50 7,2,3,4,5,6
SU1216 22:35 01:25+ 1,2,3,4,5
Sector Flight No Departure  Arrival Frequency
KUF-SVO SU1217 06:35 07:20 2,3,4,5,6
SU1603 10:00 10:50 1,2,3,4,5,6
SU1203 10:15 11:10 4,6
SU1211 12:05 13:00 DAILY
SU1209 14:15 15:05 1,2,3,4,5
SU1213 17:25 18:25 4,5,6
SU1215 20:40 21:30 7,2,3.4,5,6
Philippine Airlines – Top Laoag Tourist Spot

Philippine Airlines – Top Laoag Tourist Spot

Tourism has become a major economic driver of Laoag City, paving the way for new commercial investments and infrastructure development. Laoag City, aside from being the capital of the province and the central hub for trading, it is also the merging point and jump-off location to other tourist destinations in Ilocos Norte. It is where bus stations, jeep and van terminals going to other municipalities of the province are located.

Places of Interest

Aurora Park
Aurora Park is situated at the center surrounded by the St. William Cathedral Church, Laoag City Hall, Marcos Hall of Justice, Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol and the Sinking Bell Tower. The plaza was called Plaza de Alfonso XII after the King of Spain. In the same plaza, there is a multi-tiered obelisk erected in 1881, dedicated to the Spanish King Alfonso XII for terminating the Tobacco Monopoly. Today, the Obelisk still stands and had defied deterioration through the passing of the time.

Laoag City Hall
The City Hall, once known as the The Casa Tribunal, is located on the western side of the town Aurora Park. It is made of bricks with roof of tiles. It houses the Executive and Legislative division of the city, as well the Treasury and other departments. Built during the Spanish era, an amount of 4,028.32 pesos was realeased on July 18, 1861 for its construction.

Bangui Windmills
Situated near the Bangui Bay in Ilocos Norte, Bangui Windmill Farm is the right destination for tourists who want to explore the northern region. It was Southeast Asia’s largest wind farm until its next-door neighbor, the Burgos Wind Farm, took the title in 2014. Even with the title stripped, it still draws more tourists than the Burgos Wind Farm because of its accessibility.

Maira-ira Cove
Branded as “The Blue Lagoon”, the Maira-ira Beach is one of the best beaches of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. That place is like the main attraction after enjoying the sights of many tourist spots such as Timmangtang Rock and Bantay Abot Cave along the road to the lagoon.

Sta. Monica Church
The Santa Monica Parish Church (Spanish: Iglesia de Santa Mónica), commonly known as the Sarrat Church, is a Roman Catholic parish church in Barangay San Leandro, Poblacion, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. It was built in 1779 and was originally known as San Miguel Church. The Santa Monica Church complex includes the convent connected to the church by an elevated three-level brick stairway.

PAL operates two weekly flights every Tuesday & Friday from Manila – Laoag – Manila. 

Route Flight Departure Arrival Frequency
MNL-LAO PR 2196 1230 1345 Tue & Fri
LAO-MNL PR 2197 1425 1525 Tue & Fri
Rail Europe – The Magic of Beautiful Places

Rail Europe – The Magic of Beautiful Places

The Grand Tour of Switzerland passes by a multitude of hidden gems – such as many places listed in the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites (ISOS). We’ve picked a selection of 5 villages to whet your appetite. You can learn more about these fascinating places here.

Morcote
From here, a spectacular Way of the Cross leads up about 400 steps to the pilgrimage church of Santa Maria del Sasso. A beautiful stream and multiple wayside shrines accompany those making the ascent. Once you arrive at the top, the church sits enthroned like a patroness, presiding over the village.

Pleujouse
Away from major lines of communication in a rugged topography, Pleujouse is situated at the entrance to a narrow valley that forms a magnificent wooded background. The fortified rocky peak overlooks a number of orchards, drawing attention to the fact that the traditional local economy is based mainly on the cultivation of damsons, a small purplish red plum from which Damassine AOP.

Sent
Sent's overall appearance is characterised largely by the emigration that has played a key economic role here since the 17th century. As in many mountain regions, many natives of Sent emigrated abroad, particularly to Italy. Some of these made their fortunes as mercenaries, confectioners or tradespeople, building impressive houses in their home village

Saint-Saphorin
The enchanting winegrowing village of Saint-Saphorin lies in the heart of the Lavaux vineyards, just at the foot of the first slope of Mont Pèlerin. Since the village was once threatened by landslides, the authorities decided to build arcades, on which the facades of the houses were then constructed. It is for this reason that Saint-Saphorin is also known as a fortified village.

Ernen
For centuries, Ernen lay on the Gomm valley road and therefore on the access route to the passes over Furka and Grimsel. With the opening of Furkastrasse on the opposite side of the valley in 1861, the old waypoint suddenly found itself apart from the traffic on the pass. The local economy collapsed and the settlement virtually stopped developing until the middle of the 20th century.