Gwen Stefani Rocks Carnival Jubilee Naming Ceremony

The World Travel Awards - dubbed the ‘Oscars of tourism’ - have been announced for 2024 and two Scottish distilleries plus a number of hotels have triumphed.

A 2.5-million-acre area of southeastern Oregon was certified as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary today by DarkSky International, making it the world’s largest Dark Sky Sanctuary to date. The Sanctuary, which is approximately one-half the size of New Jersey and is located within an area commonly referred to as the Oregon Outback, has committed to protect its starry night skies for the benefit of visitors, residents, and wildlife. A Dark Sky Sanctuary is a certification given by the DarkSky International to public or private land that has an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment. To qualify as a Dark Sky Sanctuary, the area must meet strict criteria for sky quality, commit to protecting the night sky through responsible lighting practices, and provide public outreach. These sanctuaries provide opportunities for stargazing, astrophotography, and other nighttime activities that benefit from minimal light pollution.

The ground-breaking opening ceremony planned for this summer’s Paris Olympics on the Seine River has been scaled back once again, with the previously announced 600,000 free tickets available to the general public, now being cut in half to about 300,000 by invite-only. Though tickets for the momentous July 26 event were initially intended for the general public through an open registration, the nation’s Minister of the Interior Gérald Darmanin announced last week that 104,000 seats on the lower riverbank will be paid tickets, while 222,000 upper banks seats will remain free, but distributed via a quota system, The Associated Press reported.  “To manage crowd movement, we can’t tell everyone to come,” Darmanin said. “For security reasons that everyone understands, notably the terrorist threat of recent weeks, we are obliged to make it free but contained.” No specific plots have been identified, but there are certainly heightened threats, he noted.

As I dangle my feet in the cool, clear waters off northern Corsica, I have only a yacht moored 100 metres away for company. Sailing would have been the more glamorous way to arrive at the port of Centuri, a small fishing harbour on the far north-west tip of Cap Corse, but instead I have the thrill of the drive.

The total solar eclipse on April 8 is the event of spring, but with the chances of a clear sky about 50/50 it pays to make a plan to do something that goes on for longer than the few hours of celestial splendor.

HCM City has been awarded “Asia’s Best MICE Destination” for a fourth year in a row. The award was announced at the 4th annual World MICE Awards gala ceremony held on March 6 in Berlin. The award is a recognition for the continued efforts of the city’s tourism sector and demonstrates global confidence in the city’s tourism potential, said Bùi Thị Ngọc Hiếu, deputy director of HCM City Department of Tourism, who received the award at the ceremony.

Jumeirah Group has appointed a chief brand officer to “spearhead the evolution of the brand,” the luxury Dubai hotel chain said Thursday.

The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) has bestowed the prestigious title of Global Tourism Icon upon Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the tourism industry. This esteemed accolade, that was presented yesterday (March 6), comes as a testament to Minister Bartlett’s relentless dedication to promoting sustainable tourism practices, fostering cultural exchange, and advancing the tourism sector on a global scale. He has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at enhancing visitor experiences, building resilience and creating economic opportunities for local communities through tourism.

The best hikes in Colorado are so much more than a chance to get some exercise. They’re also immersive experiences that invite travelers to slow down, be mindful, and engage all of their senses—like pausing to hear the call of a white-breasted nuthatch or breathing deeply to inhale the scent of pine.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced that there will be 326,000 tickets available for the opening ceremony of the Paris summer Olympic Games on 26 July 2024. Tourists will likely not, however, be able to watch the ceremony taking place along the river Seine, due to the high security concerns surrounding the event.

Travel advisors and analysts view new megaship orders from the world's two largest cruise lines as a sign of confidence in cruising and a signal that normal shipbuilding rates could soon return.

Are you ready for it? The Bisha Hotel in Toronto certainly is. This luxury hotel that celebrates art and music is well prepared for Taylor Swift fans and The Eras Tour with their new suite, The Taylor. This deluxe one-bedroom is soulfully designed with Swifties in mind and they won’t be disappointed.