Australia has ranked as the 7th most tourism-ready economy, according to the World Economic Forum’s latest Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report. In its assessment of 141 economies, the index measures factors and policies that enable the sustainable development of the travel and tourism sector, which it says contributes to the development and competitiveness of a country. Australia made …
Why was the UAE ranked top tourist-friendly destination in the Arab world?
The UAE is the most tourism-friendly destination in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, according to the latest Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum (WEF). The UAE bested its Arab peers, including strong contenders like Egypt, Morocco and Jordan, thanks largely to its good business environment, air transport infrastructure and safety and security. …
Govt nod to Rs 11,930 crore Airbus-TATA consortium bid to replace Avro fleet
The government tonight cleared the lone bid of Airbus-TATA consortium for replacing Indian Air Force’s fleet of ageing Avro transport aircraft for Rs 11,930 crore besides approving Russia’s offer to build Kamov Ka-226T helicopters under ‘Make in India’ initiative. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which met here, also cleared the proposal to convert two Boeing 777-300 ER …
America, Turkey and Saudi Arabia Are Pouring Fuel on the Fire in Syria
Politically, the Republic of Turkey and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia could not be less alike. Turkey was founded 90 years ago on the basis of modern, secular, republican values, while Saudi Arabia is one of the few remaining absolute monarchies in today’s world. And yet, the two powers have found common cause on many issues in the …
Massive cleanup overnight, but more congestion expected
Transport Agency Acting Wellington Highways Manager Neil Walker says that while there are encouraging signs that weather-related disruption to the roading network is easing, the suspension of train services until at least midday on Friday is likely to result in further congestion. “The best way to steer clear of congestion is to plan around it. This means …
Chinese media lauds Modi, Sino-Indian ties
After being critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi days ahead of his three-day visit to China, the Chinese media was fullsoe in his praise on Thursday as he landed in Xi’an. In an commentary, state-run news agency Xinhua pointed out how Modi made his China debut as Indian prime minister in the city of Xi’an just …
Even Hawaii doesn’t sell itself
Travelers love Hawaii, reporting a satisfaction rating of 98% or higher with their vacations, according to the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB). It may seem as though sharp sales skills aren’t much needed when you’re selling paradise, but there’s always room to learn more and draw more clients to the Islands, according to the bureau, which …
Ignoring the needs of our youth in an invisible referendum
If a person can be elected to the national parliament at 21, there is no reason why they can’t also be elected to the office of President. Besides, setting the age as high as 35 discriminates against younger people who may be just as capable of carrying out the job. It doesn’t mean that Niall Horan is a certainty for …
Butlin’s goes back to the future: Holiday company revamps original camps
No prizes for guessing that Butlitz and its red-coated guards were a spoof on Butlin’s holiday camps. And no wonder: many of the early camps had indeed been used as military barracks during the Second World War. Messrs Corbett and Barker would struggle to satirise the Butlin’s of 2015, however. With large open-plan living spaces, fashionable …
£325 for a cup of coffee – has the world gone mad?
Picasso’s Les Femmes d’Alger was this week sold in New York for an astonishing $179.3 million – nearly $40 million above the reserve price and a record for any work of art at auction. Whenever these new benchmarks are set, they are hailed as signalling the top of the market. There has been no shortage of …