In news from Inchon, South Korea, the Asia Games of 2014 mascots are announced. Also, a relic of the Russo-Japanese War ends up being the tie that may bind Russia and the Korean peninsula.
Russian Federation Tourism Initiative Moves Forward
The Russian Federation’s travel and tourism initiative goes forward with a Moscow convention directed at the problems of medical tourism in Russia. The Russian Tourist Industry Union reaches out to the industry to help solve Russia’s principle issues where the disabled are concerned. Just as Prime Minister Putin embraces his gifted Bulgarian sheepdog, Russia seems to want to embrace the world now.
Affordable Art Fair Singapore Opens Today
The very first Affordable Art Fair hits Singapore this weekend. Proving once again that you don’t have to be a millionaire to afford very fine works of art, Will Ramsay’s AAF Asia showcases over 60 art galleries worth of affordable treasures.
Bohemian City Tour Shows Off Three Cities
An upcoming tour offering may present those in search of Bohemian Europe a rare opportunity. Departing Vienna, Insight Vacations offer a 9 day excursion through Prague and Budapest after a two day stay in Austria. These luxury tours of 2011 are surprisingly affordable without cutting corners. This may be the perfect way to be introduced to Eastern Europe’s charms.
On the Run: At Traben – Trarbach On the Mosel
Argophilia Travel News takes an opportunity to reveal the ancient Mosel wine region village of Traben – Trarbach. The first in a series of “On the Run” snapshots of wonderful places, Traben – Trarbach shows the true spirit of the off season of this famous German wine countryside. Visions of German hospitality, and yes castles over the Mosel too, reflects Central Europe’s alluring charm.
Fear Google – Trust Expedia
Google’s detractors huddle in Phoenix at this year’s PhoCusWright Conference to try an lobby allies. Fearing Google’s ITA acquisition will forever change the online travel game, some top travel execs seem willing to do anything to block the Internet’s biggest player.
Maryland Connects With Baltics for Christmas Tidings
A Maryland Christmas tree growing association seeks to connect with the original birthplace of decorated tree celebration. Using a government grant, the growers connect with the Baltic country of Latvia, hoping to tie the world of Christmas more closely together. Agrophilia Travel News takes a look at the nebulous search for Christmas tree celebratory origin.
Singapore Finally Set for Hari Raya Haji
This week, around the world, Muslims will celebrate Hari Raya Haji or the “Festival of Sacrifice.” In Singapore though, these celebrations were in dire jeopardy when ash from Mt. Merapi caused flights carrying livestock to be canceled. Only yesterday, Singapore Airlines rushed through two loads of animals for the festivities.m
Air Astana Extends Eastern Europe and Asia Reach
Kazakhstan air carrier Air Astana extends its routes and online reach to include more of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. New routes to the Russian Federation, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan round out an overall growth spurt for the award winning carrier. In other news, a deal with HRS.com and 3 other regional carriers allow customers added flexibility and convenience.
Poland Turns to Beach Blanket Bingo Politics
An interesting political campaign in Warsaw reveals just how creative (and beautiful) Polish women politicians can be. Sarah May has turned to a sort of “Beach Blanket Bingo” style of campaigning for Warsaw’s upcoming city elections – posing in her bikini and proclaiming her competency. Now there is transparency in a politician if there ever where any. Warsaw governance may never be the same – and that could be a good thing.
Munich Bid Scores Again On Witt’s Promise
Three Olympic hopeful cities met this weekend in Guangzhou, China to make their pitches to Asian Olympic delegates for the 2018 Winter Olympics. On the site of the Asia Games, the delegations form Annecy, Munich, and Pyeongchang spoke their piece. With the South Korean’s slightly bent over suggested conflicts of interest, and the French having technical problems, Katarina Witt had little trouble outclassing the other chairs easily.
Bulgaria Unveils John the Baptist Relics
Recently discovered relics supposedly bones from John the Baptist could start a pilgrim tail leading directly to Bulgaria’s capital of Sophia. The fist public showing of these ancient relics saw tens of thousands flock to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Russian Federation Premier Vladimir Putin and many other dignitaries paid their respects. Bulgaria’s tourism industry is their main source of outside investment and spending.
The Decaying Orbit of Orbitz Online
With the holiday travel season upon us, and Google pushing online travel giants around, the best Orbitz can come up with is a mobile application and a drug store marketing deal. American Airlines is about to pull one of Orbitz’s biggest calling cards and the company is doing research about holiday airport traffic? Just what is up with this online travel giant leaves room for much speculation.
Anime Festival Asia 2010 Kicks Off in Singapore
Anime fans traveling to Singapore get a double treat this weekend as Anime Festival Asia 2010 kicks off today in the nation’s capital. J-Pop celebs to screaming animation fans, this year’s event has brought over 70,000 enthusiasts
Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina Get Free Visa Privileges
The EU has now granted fee visa privileges to Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina in an effort to spur democratic reforms and progress. These two Balkan republics’ citizens can now travel freely within the Schengen area, basically all of the EU. Officials warn of a withdrawal of privileges should serious problems with immigration ensue.
Allure of the Seas, the Biggest Cruise Ship in the World, Sailing Your Way [Video]
A journey aboard Allure of the Seas will woo you every time: amazing entertainment, brilliant international cuisine, genuine and topped by superlatives…
Four Barriers Every Traveler Abroad Faces
Language problems constitute the majority of hurdles for travel abroad as anyone would suspect. From reading a menu to finding a street, the confusion unknown languages present can be daunting to the tourist. A recent study highlights the four major hurdles travelers face, while at least one company offers some solutions.
Asian Games Get Underway In Guangzhou Today
The Asian Games get underway today with a great deal of fanfare. China Premier Wen Jiabao and a laundry list of dignitaries are scheduled to witness what could be China’s biggest light show ever. A river spectacle is set for the opening of the 16th contingent of the games.
India’s Chhath Puja Festival 2010 Winds Up
India’s Chhath Puja Festival this year promises to be the biggest celebration ever. As river banks across India are decorate for the celebration’s finale this weekend, local authorities plan for handling the massive crowds. For tourists visiting India during this time, a real treat lays in store – and some possible wait time too.
EU and Russia: Free Visa Talks at Standstill
Travel and tourism for Russia is up this year despite slow progress on the free visa issue. The EU’s apparent stalling of Russia on free travel is holding up what could be a boom for the industry worldwide. Business between the EU and the Russian Federation could take many countries out of the recession with expanded cooperation, so just why the EU is holding back makes little sense to many.